Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
FT
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday, 30 October 2024 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Darshana Abayasingha
The Asia Foundation, with support from Google.org, announced the launch of APAC Cybersecurity Fund in Colombo yesterday, to strengthen the cyber capabilities of over 300,000 small and medium businesses across 12 countries in the region.
With $ 15 million in grant support from Google.org, this initiative will empower over 13,000 SMEs across Sri Lanka with necessary skills to navigate threats, in addition to counterparts in Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
In Sri Lanka, the program will see the rollout of training sessions across all nine provinces, in addition to two cyber clinics at the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology and the Uva Wellassa University to grow knowledge and capacity amongst undergraduates.
Despite the SME and micro enterprise segment making up close to 50% of domestic production, knowledge and interest in cybersecurity is at a low ebb due to a range of issues including education and investment. This is in the backdrop of more companies relying on digital platforms and resources for business purposes. The program by the Asia Foundation will also pay special emphasis on women, in a bid to enhance participation in economic activity.
Despite the presence of the Online Safety Act in Sri Lanka that was passed by Parliament in January this year, the forum pointed to the absence of the Cyber Security Act that has been in discussion for over five years. It was also pointed out that due to the lack of policy and adequate engagement with public and the other players in the area of cybersecurity, and even commonplace ICTs, only large corporations and related participants are better prepared to meet the requirements or challenges posed by the current environment and any changes posed by law. It was also observed that cybersecurity needs a cohesive countrywide approach as opposed to the action by a singular agency.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is amongst players that have urged the new Government to discuss the draft Cybersecurity Bill urgently to ensure preparedness for the Personal Data Protection Act by March next year. During the launch event, it was noted that 79% of Sri Lankans still preferred cash transactions despite the growing popularity of digital platforms, and over 70% connecting to the internet.
